Tufted Forget‑Me‑Not
Tufted forget‑me‑not (Myosotis laxa) is a native wetland species found along pond shores, streams, and seepage areas. Plants are slender and can behave as annuals or short‑lived perennials. Blooms are small and bright blue on airy stems from late spring into summer. It performs best in consistently moist soils with sun to light shade. Use it to naturalize gentle water edges where a delicate look is desired.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: species; emergent wetland plant
- Height × spread: 4 to 16 in × 6 to 12 in (10 to 40 cm × 15 to 30 cm)
- Bloom window: May to August
- Color & flower form: tiny blue five‑lobed flowers on slender racemes
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: unknown / varies by climate
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- native to North America in many regions
- tolerates saturated soils yet stays finer in texture
- flowers and stems are smaller than common garden forms
- best for naturalistic pond and stream edges
Strengths
- adapts to a range of wetland conditions
- light, natural look in water gardens
- pairs well with sedges and marsh marigold
- supports pollinators in wet habitats
Care in one minute
- Plant in sun to light shade with consistently moist soil.
- Use loam with organic matter; avoid fast‑drying sand.
- Irrigate to prevent dry‑downs; mulch lightly to conserve moisture.
- Do not over‑fertilize; growth becomes lax.
- Shear lightly after bloom to tidy and direct reseeding.
Watch‑outs
- needs steady moisture; will stall in drought
- delicate stems can lodge in strong wind
- self‑seeds where conditions suit
Best uses (tags)
water gardens, pond margins, naturalizing, pollinators
Provenance note
A North American native in many states and provinces, Myosotis laxa inhabits pond shores and wet meadows.
References
- USDA PLANTS — Myosotis laxa profile
- Go Botany — Myosotis laxa
- Wisconsin DNR — Small forget‑me‑not (Myosotis laxa)
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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